"Fete des Vendanges" Neuchatel

We had a lot happening this past weekend! Katelyn was dismissed from the hospital on Friday and we were thrilled to be home! However, there was one big party that started while we were gone. The "Fete des Vendages" is the biggest festival Neuchatel celebrates. There were amusement park rides set up in the parking lot behind us and across the street at the port. Then on the street in front we watched 2 parades.

The parade on Friday night was mainly marching bands - "Guggenmusik". The bands were dressed up in costumes and some wore masks.

It was lots of fun to watch them from our place. However, we missed out on sampling some wines. They had several carts giving away samples.

It was a good thing that we were exhausted on Friday night. The music, noise .... went on till at least 3 or 4 in the morning. We didn't sleep too bad and it was at least quiet in the morning.

Saturday afternoon, we decided to camp out in front of our place to watch the "Cortege d'enfants costumes".

Katelyn was feeling pretty good. We have only given her one painkiller and that was the first night. I think that helped her sleep through all the noise.

It was really something to see these men and these whips. Their arms had to be hurting. We were near the end of the parade route. It was quite scary at times. Those whips were long and they came really close. I should say too close!

The whips were making the cracking sound and right behind them were the men with the cow bells. It was so loud but it was a magnificent feeling.

The costumes and ideas were very clever.

Of course there were more marching bands. In fact, we heard them through out the weekend at various times. They would be marching down the street. It was fun.

The other big thing was "confetti". It was everywhere. The kids loved the confetti cannons. The cannons would aim for any open windows. The spectators would even point them out.

It made a huge mess and could do lots of damage. Our neighbors below us forgot to close their window. It was amazing that no one got hurt from falling glass. The police did arrive later in the day and left a note for them. I think they left town for the weekend.

The streets were covered and it looked like snow. They had it cleaned up within the hour.

As you can see, it was right behind us. The streets were closed off downtown and there was one vendor after another. The majority of them were selling drinks, food or junk. It was very organized. I guess it should be since they have been doing this for the past 84 years. Saturday night, we had a good view of the fireworks over down town. We did have to hang out the window a little bit.

On Sunday, it was all the same stuff going on. However, the amusement rides stayed for the week. Thank goodness they are off by 9:00 pm!!!! It was fun to experience but we might head out of town next year. Maybe some where a little less quiet!